Date of Award
2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Wyman, Alina
Area of Concentration
Russian Language and Literature
Abstract
This thesis is an exploration of how the characters Ippolit and Prince Myshkin in Dostoevsky’s The Idiot are affected by their disabling conditions in regards to their capacity for empathy towards others, as well as how others empathize with them. Drawing on the theories of various critics, this thesis outlines the characteristics of each characters’ illness, and the unique ways that these illnesses influence each character’s life. Each chapter focuses on one character, examining different episodes that illustrate how each character gives and receives empathy throughout the novel. The first chapter focuses on Prince Myshkin, the protagonist of the novel who suffers from epilepsy, and examines Myshkin’s story of Marie and the Swiss village, his proposal to Nastasya Filippovna at her birthday party, Myshkin’s reaction to Ippolit’s attempted suicide, and his seizure at the Epanchins’ gathering. The second chapter focuses on Ippolit and his experience with late stage consumption. This chapter examines Ippolit’s introduction in the novel during Burdovsky’s confrontation of Myshkin, his confession to Madame Epanchin, his “Necessary Explanation” speech and subsequent suicide, and his unceremonious death at the very end of the novel. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the arguments made in the paper and compares the similarities and differences between the two characters.
Recommended Citation
Hart, Alyson, "AFFLICTION AS INSIGHT: DISABILITY AND EMPATHY IN DOSTOEVSKY’S THE IDIOT" (2019). Theses & ETDs. 5708.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5708